KDHE UPDATES BLUE-GREEN ALGAE WARNINGS AND ADVISORIES

October 21, 2011

Blue-green algae persists in some waters despite cooling weather

TOPEKA — In a few remaining city and county lakes, blue-green algae populations are still above minimum public safety levels established by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). State and federal lakes are no longer under any warnings or advisories, thanks to cooler weather and shortened daylight hours.

Based upon the latest sampling results and established health risk levels, KDHE issues Warnings and Advisories. A “Warning” is issued when high levels of toxic blue-green algae have been detected and indicates that water conditions are unsafe, and direct water contact (wading, skiing, and swimming) should not occur. An “Advisory” is issued when harmful blue-green algae have been detected and indicates that a hazardous condition exists, but water activities such as boating and fishing may be safe. However, direct contact with water (wading, swimming) is strongly discouraged for people and pets.

KDHE samples recreational bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency is alerted to a potential algae bloom. When harmful algae blooms are present, KDHE, in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, responds by informing the public of these conditions.

Health effects from exposure to blue-green algae can vary. The most common complaints after recreational exposure include vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, eye irritation and respiratory symptoms. These toxins also cause deaths in pets.

Current concentrations of algae in the following waters exceeded the KDHE recommended level of less than 100,000 cells/ml for recreational water use and are currently under Warning:

Memorial/Veterans Park Lake — Great Bend, Barton County.

When a Warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

do not drink lake water;

do not swim, wade, or do anything with full-body contact with lake water;

clean fish well, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts; and

keep pets from having contact with or drinking lake water.

KDHE has issued an Advisory for the following Kansas public waters:

Augusta City Lake — Augusta, Butler County;

Logan City Lake — Phillips County;

Harvey County West Lake — Harvey County;

Harvey County East Lake, Harvey County; and

Warnock Lake, Atchison County.

When a Advisory is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

do not drink lake water;

avoid swimming, wading, or other activities with full body contact with lake water;

clean fish well, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts; and

keep pets from having contact with or drinking lake water.

KDHE will continue to monitor these public waters and will update statements as conditions warrant. More information on algae and algae blooms, including up-to-date Advisories and Warnings, can be found at online at www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm.